Harry stood by the school gates that Monday morning, waiting for his girlfriend Cleo McQueen to join him. Students and pupils were making their way towards the school, including teachers such as Mrs Osbourne, who greeted him with a smile and a hello as she walked past.
He smiled back and leant against the gates. Then he saw one teacher and his smile faded. "Hey, Harry," John Paul greeted him as he came up to him. Harry forced a smile. "Hi, Sir," he said. "Is Cleo coming?" he asked. John Paul nodded, somewhat awkwardly. "She's just stopped off at the corner shop to get some snacks. She'll be here in a sec," he told Harry. Harry nodded. "Well, see you in class, Sir," he said, trying to get rid of John Paul.
But to his discomfort, John Paul just stood there. "Listen, what are your intentions with Cleo?" he asked Harry. Harry looked up at him. "What do you mean, my intentions?" he asked. John Paul sighed. "Look, do you really like Cleo? I find that surprising since what happened... between you and me. I hope you're not leading her on," John Paul warned Harry. Harry stared back. "Hey, you're the one who kissed me. You're the one that ought to be apologizing to her, not me," he argued back.
The two men stood face to face. An angry look came over John Paul's face. "I'm not the one pretending to be one thing when they're actually another," he shot back. "So? Our kiss might just be a phase. Besides, I like Cleo. I just want to make her happy," Harry said. Then the school bell rung. "Well, saved by the bell," John Paul said. "You better not hurt my cousin. If you do, you'll have me to deal with," he threatened him. "I think we've always dealt with that, don't you?" Harry said with a smirk.
John Paul glared at him. Just then Cleo turned up. "Hey," she said happily, carrying a shopping bag. She turned to Harry and kissed him on the cheek. "What's going on?" she asked, looking from John Paul to Harry.
"I was just, telling Harry not to be late for registration. That means you too, Cleo," he told her sternly. She sighed. "I know, I know. I'll see you later, okay?" she asked, and gave John Paul a quick hug before holding Harry's hand as she made her way to school.
John Paul hated to admit it but he felt a slight twinge of envy as he saw Cleo's hand touch Harry's. After, he felt guilty as he followed them through the playground. What would Ste say if he knew? He shuddered at the thought and shook his head. Man up, McQueen, he told himself. You're married. Get a grip. With that, he left Cleo and Harry and went to his classroom, ready to start another day at school, but not ready to start another day with Harry.
